“You’re right. That’s a shitty thing to say. But I knew deep down it was a short-term thing. I was mostly pissed that he found his happily ever after not long after we were over.”
“At least you recognize that now.” She looks past me to the television and grabs my chin until I’m facing it. “On the other hand, that man wants to date you, no matter how many times you’ve turned him down.”
The picture on the screen is one of him dunking on the home team. It’s no wonder he’s gaining popularity as a rookie. From the few things I’ve seen, he’s really good. “I don’t know if I can handle dating someone that will likely become high profile. Besides, how long would he actually date me until someone younger and prettier comes along?”
“When those women threw themselves at him during lunch today, did he engage?”
“No,” I sigh. He acted like a gentleman, much to my surprise. “But I still don’t know.” I take my eyes off the screen and turn toward her, “Can we talk about something else? I don’t really want to get lost in my feelings. Besides, you’re the one who told me to keep it casual with him, and now you’re pushing me on him like he’s the answer to all my problems.”
She shrugs her shoulders and laughs. “What can I say? I like his energy. If there’s anyone not scared to argue their point against you, it’s him.” She looks around the room before focusing on me again. “Since you aren’t seeing him and don’t want to get all up in your feelings…come drink with me tonight.”
“Hazel,” I protest.
“Hear me out. It’ll be a girl’s night. It’s been forever since we’ve hung out and drank together.”
“We literally did that a few days ago.” It was probably the most relaxing time I’ve had in a while. We had wine, did facemasks…the whole shebang.
“I mean one where we leave the hotel.” She stands up and heads to her suitcase. “I won’t even try to dress you. For all I care, you can wear yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I just know I need out of this hotel room. I’m not meant to be cooped up.”
“You’ve had all day to leave. Why didn’t you go anywhere?”
“I wanted to be here in case you needed me. What kind of friend would I be if I bailed on you to go on a shopping trip?”
“I honestly don’t know how you fit all your shopping spree items into your suitcase. I’m beginning to think it’s magical.” She really is an amazing friend. Hell, my parents pretty much cut me off when I told them I wanted to travel the world. But this woman, who isn’t even my blood, stayed here just in case the date was a disaster. “And I’ll go out with you tonight. Don’t expect me to go all crazy, though. Our flight still leaves at a decent time.”
“Yay,” she squeals. “I’ll go get ready. We can grab dinner then head to a bar.”
“Sounds good. I’m going to go change into something more comfortable.” I point to the dress in question. “It won’t take me long.”
“We’re going to have so much fun.” She rushes to the bathroom to begin her “going out” ritual. She’s the only one that can drag me out, even if I don’t feel like it. I’m just happy I’ll always have her in my corner. My life would be boring without her antics. As for my dating life…that can wait for another day. Tonight, is all about me and my bestie.
Eleven
Bentley
“What do you mean she declined a second date?” Jordan asks over the phone. He and his wife left for the airport about an hour ago. Announcements can be heard in the background, and it only reminds me of Serena.
“Exactly what I said.” I run my fingers through my hair and sigh. “I thought everything was going great. I asked for a second date, and she threw out every excuse in the world to turn it down.”
“I know you don’t want to hear this, but she might be a lost cause.” He mumbles something, I’m assuming to his wife, before he speaks again. “As much as I hate saying this, you’re probably better off dating girls the way you have been. Even if it’s something I don’t agree with.”
“But I can’t get her out of my head.” Frustration doesn’t even begin to cover what I’m feeling, and you can see the path I’ve paced in the hotel's carpet. “I don’t even know why. It’s not like I even know her. She caught my attention on the flight and has stayed in my thoughts since then. What is wrong with me? This isn’t normal.”
“Dude, there isn’t anything wrong with you.” He pauses for a beat, then laughs. “Except for the fact you’re a pushy asshole.”
“That’s not helping.” I need to get this girl out of my system.
“Why don’t you see who’s still there and see what they’re doing tonight?”
“You know damn well most of the team doesn’t like me.” They talk to me at practices and games. That’s it.
“Because you’re a cocky rookie. You need to earn their respect instead of running up and down the court acting like you’re better than them.”
“I am better than most of them.” I sit on the sofa. Yep, there’s a sofa in the hotel room. That was a new thing for me. If it wasn’t for me showing up last night, we would have lost that game.
“That doesn’t matter. We are a team. You seemed to have forgotten what that’s like considering you just graduated from college.” He sighs, and I can imagine him shaking his head. He does that a lot where I’m concerned. “You need to hang out with them outside of games and really get to know them. Maybe by showing them you aren’t a jackass; they’ll like you better.”
“Okay,” I drawl. “And what am I supposed to do after I see who’s still here.”
